I did not encounter Elinora for two days, in which she sent me notes detailing her apologies and how she was drowning in paperwork over the implementation of State affairs. I am not sure how long I spent hovering outside the doors of her suite, uncertain if she would appreciate my company or not, with her guards shooting me suspicious looks.

Oslo sniggered as I acted like a circus monkey when Elinora's presence was announced. Doing my best to smooth down my features, I opened the doors to my suite and found Elinora standing in the doorway, looking mildly amused as she took in my distress.

"Elinora. Why are you here?"

A twitch of her lips. "Tsk, tsk, Henry. Can I not step afoot in my own Consort's quarters without being questioned?"

I stilled. Consort. She had addressed me not with my stature, not with my name, but what I was to her.

Consort.

Could she finally be feeling for me at least a small portion of how I feel for her? Was there a chance...the most minute of chances, that-

Oslo cleared his throat.

I jumped.

Elinora's expression was now one of mild concern.

"Ah...um...hm...apologies my Queen...no-Elinora....oh you know what I mean."

Elinora tilted her head and arched a single eyebrow.

Oslo snorted in a poor attempt to conceal his mockery.

Dear Lord, Henry please stop embarrassing yourself.

"What I meant to say is, of course you can come into my quarters. There is plenty of room to accommodate for one extra...um...and your Guard, of course...oh that came out wrong. The castle is yours...no wait, the whole country is yours...sorry that was-"

Elinora held up a hand, biting on the inside of her cheeks.

I contained the urge to kick myself.

"Please. No more. I simply came to ask you to join me for a walk to the training grounds."

Slightly bewildered, but trusting Elinora to impose no ill health upon me, I nodded stupidly, offering her my arm, and she took it with a slight smile.

Even through the thick fabric of our clothes, I felt a jolt of what could only be described as akin to the lightening during a storm.

We reached a large expanse of land amassed with soldiers in their armour. Some practiced their skills with straw-made figures and others with their fellow trainees. All of my senses were pervaded at the organised mess.

Elinora, however, seemed unfazed and guided me towards an alignment of approximately ten soldiers who stood in their official uniforms. Facing them was the Captain of the Queen's Guard, who bowed respectfully at the sight of Elinora before retreating behind her.

Elinora stepped forward. "I want to see every man in this crowd with his chest up and chin high!" she commanded. A roar of agreement sounded out amongst the men.

"You have all been chosen, each and every one of you, on not your age nor your background, but on your skill, and most importantly on what is in here," she commandeered as she placed a hand over her heart. "All of you have proven that you are the elite of all men in the Empire, through your bravery, courage, determination, righteousness and loyalty to the Crown." A deafening chorus of cheers.

The Queen lowered her voice and tilted her head, and murmured conspiratorially, "And let me tell you this, gentlemen. Your life and legacy will far succeed your peers. Yes, they will be battling our enemies on the frontlines, protecting the body of the Commonwealth Empire, but you know what you will be doing?" Elinora had the complete attention of all soldiers.

"Protecting its heart. A body, no matter how strong, is useless without a heart which directs and supplies the body. Which is why your work as part of the Royal Guard will be the most important of all."

Eliniora straightened. "Blood and soil." All men withdrew gleaming daggers from their belts, slicing a small gash on their palms and allowing droplets of blood to seep into the earth. "Repeat after me."

"From this day forth,"

"From this day forth,"

"I solemnly swear upon my blood and my honour,"

"I solemnly swear upon my blood and my honour,"

"To serve and protect,"

"To serve and protect,"

"Her Royal Majesty Queen Elinora Deveraux,"

"Her Royal Majesty Queen Elinora Deveraux,"

"And His Royal Highness Prince Henry Barrow."

"And His Royal Highness Prince Henry Barrow."

Elinora smiled, a seal of approval, and turned towards me. "Prince Henry. I'd like for you to meet your new Guard."

A.N Sorry for the hiatus. Serious writer's block and exams will do that to you. Feedback appreciated :)